Container imprinter



April 21, 1953 J. STEWART CONTAINER IMPRINTER ll Sheets-Sheet l I fi2 (16122 07? esfi aarf yam/ 'WWMW Filed April 28. 1949 Ap 21, 1953 J. STEWART 2,635,532

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CONTAINER IMPRINTER Filed April 28. 1949 11 Sheets-Sheet 10 Y 1 J UUe/EZZT kfalrzefi SPwarZ April 21, 1953 J. STEWART 2,635,532

CONTAINER IMPRINTER Filed April 28, 1949 11 Sheets-Sheet 11 IOMP Z5 0 256 7&0;

ZZZ/e72 0/ $27265 fiiiflarf Patented Apr. 21, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.

This invention relates in general to the art of imprinting on containers, and more particularly to a machine and method for imprinting on containers having a generally cylindrical shape.

While the invention in its broader aspects may be utilized for imprinting any desired indicia on such containers, the present machine and method has been designed primarily for imprinting a color designation on containers carrying paints, enamels, lacquers and the like to indicate the color therein, and illustrates a modified form of machine from that disclosed and claimed in my copending application filed April 28, 1949, Serial No. 90,112.

' It has been the practice in the past in the paint industry to place around the containers, such as the gallon, half-gallon and quart sizes, a paper label which had printed thereon all of the necessary information including the color designation. When this was done, the containers were made' up in the customary way and a great number of printed labels could be stored in a relatively small amount of space, and thereafter placed around the container when ready for use. A great number of labels could be made up in advance-bearing all of the various color designations so that these labels Would be available for use at a later date. The matter of storage for these labels presented no problem.

The advent of the lithographing method of printing labels directly on metal containers before the container was formed, thereupon presented such storage problems when the color designation of the contents was imprinted on the containers at the same time. The labels on all 01 the containers, regardless of the color of the paint or enamel within the container, are substantially alike. It is necessary, however, that each container bear thereon indicia for the purpose of informing the ultimate purchaser as to the color of the paint or enamel therein. It was found that if the color designation were to be imprinted on the container at the same time the label was printed thereon, a tremendous inventory would have to be maintained because of the: storage space required for the empty containers.

It was then decided that if some effective way could be arrived at for later applying the color designation, if it were omitted at the time the label was printed directly on the container, the inventory could be considerably reduced, thus obviating the necessity for a large storage space. f The problem may be better understood when itis' rec'ognizedthat there is customarily a pie- 2 determined location on the container at which the color designation appears. Due to the fact that the label is multicolored and carries a design as well as certain printed matter, the color designation must be placed thereon at a location suitable therefor and which must be determined in advance. I

It is, therefore, the principal object of the present invention to provide a machine for imprinting indicia on a container at a predetermined location thereon.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine adapted to automatically print indicia on a substantially cylindrical container at a pre determined location thereon.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine wherein a novel form of positioning means is actuated for positioning a predetermined point on the container, whereby suitable indici'amay thereafter be imprinted at a predetermined location on the container.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a machine for imprinting indicia on con tainers wherein a positioning station and a printing station are located.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in a container imprinting machine a posi-" tion'ing station and a printing station together with means at the positioning station to automatically position'a container with respect to the printing station, whereby the container may thereafter be conveyed to the printing" station and have indici'a printed on the container'at a predetermined location thereon.

Still another and more specific object of the invention is to provide a container imprinting" machine having a positioning station and a printing station, wherein means are provided which are actuated in response to certain means on the container to position a point on the container with respect to the printing station, whereby the container may thereafter be conveyed'to the printing station and" have indicia printed.

vide a container imprinting machine having a positioning station and a printing station therein and wherein rotary means at the positioning station will rotate the container on the spot until a point on the container reaches a predetermined position with respect to the printing station. After the point on the container reaches this predetermined position, suitable means are provided which are actuated in response to the point on the container which will stop rotation thereof, whereupon the container may be conveyed to the printing station and have indicia imprinted on the container at a predetermined location thereon.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a method of imprinting indicia on asubstantially cylindrical container, whereby the indicia will appear at a predetermined location on the container.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

' Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 33 of Fig. 1;

' Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line 44 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged plan view of the reciprocating carriage which advances the containers intermittently through the machine; Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 66 of Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary enlarged side elevational view of the carriage for advancing the containers intermittently and shown in its forward position;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the carriage similar to Fig. '7, but showing the carriage just before it reaches the opposite end of its travel:

Fig. 9 is an end elevational view of the carriage as viewed from the right hand end in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional plan view similar to Fig. 3 but showing the printing mechanism in printing position and showing certain other parts in detail;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line llll of Fig. 3;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken along the line l2l2 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of the incoming conveyor mechanism and the actuating means for the intermittent feed mechanism for the containers;

Fig. 14 is a plan view of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is an end elevational view of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 illustrates a preferred form and wiring diagram therefor of the actuating mechanism for positioning the container;

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the container of Fig. 16 showing the depression in the container in section;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary view of a container similar to Fig. 17, but showing the actuating means as a projection on the container;

' Fig. 19 illustrates a still further modification of actuating means for the positioning mechanism;

Fig. 20 is a plan view of the container shown in Fig. 19 with a portion thereof shown in section;

Fig. 21 illustrates a still further modified form 4 of actuating means for the positioning mechanism;

Fig. 22 is a wiring diagram showing the sequence and manner of operating the reciprocating carriage; and

Fig. 23 is a wiring diagram showing the electrical circuit for actuating the printing mech anism and the reciprocating member which rolls the container over the type at the printing station.

In accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated that cylindrical containers, either filled or empty, be fed into the machine at one end thereof in an upright or vertical position, and then conveyed to a positioning station. Means are employed at the positioning station to rotate the container so that it will assume a position with respect to the printing station such that, when the container is conveyed from the positioning station and rolled to and past the printing station, the correct location on the container will present itself to the printing mechanism, whereby the indicia will be imprinted on the container at the pre-selected location.

It is important that the printing on the con tainer take place so that the indicia appear at the desired location thereon. In order to assure this it is necessary to properly position the container before it reaches the printing mechanism. As the containers are fed into the machine, the relative position of the containers will vary considerably, and various means have been provided to properly position the containers for printing thereon.

Any suitable means may be provided to be actuated in response to something on the surface of the container itself to carry out the positioning step. In the preferred form of the invention illustrated herein, a deformation in the container cooperates with switch means to act as the positioning means to stop rotation of the container at the proper time. In determining the proper position of the container, it will depend upon the circumference of the container and the distance between the positioning and printing stations. The location on the container where the printing is to take place is first determined, and then the container is positioned in such manner at the positioning station so that, when the container rolls along its circumference and over the type at the printing station, this predetermined location where the printing is to take place will properly present itself to the printing mechanism.

The containers are fed into the machine at one end thereof in an upright position. To prevent jamming of the containers at the entrance to the machine, suitable means have been provided to admit the containers thereto one at a time. Each container as it enters the machine is initially placed in the first postion and then conveyed to the positioning station where it is rotated to a predetermined position and then held in that position. The predetermined position to which the container is rotated is determined by the location on the container where the printing is to be applied. When the proper position of the container is reached at the positioning station, it is then conveyed to a point immediately adjacent the printing station, whereupon suitable mechanism is provided to roll the container over the type on the printing mechanism for impression purposes. The conveyor mechanism which moves the containers intermittently through the machine then conveys the printed container to another conveyor which carries it away from the machine.

The particular means on the container which is illustrated as being the preferred embodiment of the invention herein contemplates a deformation in the container at a predetermined point thereon, This deformation actuates a switch energizing an electrical circuit, actuating a pneumatic system and applying brakes to immediately stop further rotation of the container. Such a deformation may consist of an indentation or a projection. Another method which may be employed contemplates the use of an electrical circuit wherein the container itself is grounded, and when a roller arm is caused to contact a bare part of the container such as the weld seam, the electrical circuit is completed to actuate the pneumatic means and brakes to stop rotation. A still further method involves the use of photosensitive means, all of which will be described more fully hereinafter.

The printing mechanism which is located at the printing station preferably consists of a miniature type of printing press having a type form therein, a pair of inking rollers and an inking dis-c. After each impression the entire mechanism is retracted to cause the rollers to roll over the inking disc and over the type to apply additional ink thereto. This operation must take place in timed relation with the movement of the containers from the positioning station to the printing station. Any suitable means may be used to actuate the printing mechanism at the proper time, out the particular means disclosed herein for accomplishing this purpose includes switch means actuated by the movement of the roller device which causes a container to roll over the type. When this device reaches its extreme position in one direction, the switch is actuated to retract the printing mechanism.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and especially to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the machine may include any suitable supporting framework consisting, for example of the upright columns l adapted to support a shelf 2 near their lower ends, which shelf may have mounted thereon much of the electrical and pneumatic apparatus for carrying the machine through its cycle. A second shelf 3 is supported at the upper ends of the main columns l and additional supporting columns 4 extend upwardly therefrom to support the main shelf 5.

A track or runway is provided on the shelf 5 in which the containers are adapted to be moved intermittently from the entrance of the machine to the exit thereof. This track or passageway is formed by spaced angle members 6 and 7, each of which comprises a horizontal portion 3 and a vertical portion 9. The horizontal portions 8 are secured directly to the shelf 5 and the vertical portions 9 are parallel and form the sides of the passageway through which the containers H) are moved.

A reciprocating carriage arrangement is provided for intermittently advancing the containers through the machine one at a time. This carriage has a sliding movement along the elongated spaced guide rods ii and i2 located below the shelf 5 and supported at opposite ends in the bearing blocks i3 and i i (see Figs. 4 and 5). The carriage includes the spaced side bars l5, each of which has secured thereto a plurality of bearing blocks slidable along one of the guide rods. These bearing blocks at each end of the side bars 15 are indicated by the numeral [6, and the in-.

termediate bearing blocks are indicated at IT. These side bars l5 extend along the outside of the guide rods H and I2 and are suitably fastcned together at one end thereof to form a rigid carriage adapted to reciprocate longitudinally along the guide rods.

An elongated link [8 is positioned at each side of the cariage inwardly of the bearing blocks IE and H, and each link it has pivotally mounted thereon a plurality of fingers or dogs i9, 20 and 21. Each of the fingers I9 is pivotally mounted to its adjacent and corresponding link 18 by a pivot pin 22. The fingers 28 are similarly pivoted to the links l8 by means of pivot pins 23. and the fingers 2| are likewise pivotally mounted by means of the pins 24 to the same links. Each finger is also pivoted at its lower end to its adjacent bearing block by means of elongated pins 25.

The forward end of the carriage adjacent the outlet end of the machine has a plate 26 con nected between the forward ends of the links [8 (Figs. 5 and 9). An angle member 21 is secured to the underside of the plate 26 so that one leg thereof extends downwardly and may have a plate 28 secured thereto. This plate 28 has a portion extending outwardly therefrom at one side of the machine and has a dual function as will be more fully described hereinafter. A pair of spaced plates 29 are secured to the forward side of the angle member 27, such as by welding or the like, so that one end of a piston rod 30 may be received between the plates. A pivot pin 3| extends between the plates 29 and through the end of the piston rod 30, whereupon reciprocation of the entire carriage results when the piston rod 38 is caused to move upon the actuation of a piston within the cylinder 32.

It will be noted that the connectin arrange ment between the piston rod 30 and the reciprocating carriage is made at one end of the carriage directly to the links l8 so that a forward or rearward movement of the rod is transmitted directly to these links. It will be evident from viewing Fig. 4 that a movement of the piston rod 30 toward the left will move the links l8 and the fingers connected therewith toward the left to lower the upper ends of the fingers below the shelf 5 during the return movement of the carriage. These fingers are thus enabled to move below the containers previously positioned on the shelf 5. When the carriage reaches its extreme left hand position and the piston rod 38 iscaused to move toward the right, itwill exert a pull on the links 18 causing the fingers to pivot about the pins 25 in a clockwise direction, thereby to elevate the fingers above the shelf 5 to contact the lower ends of the containers.

If there is a container in the first position it will be contacted by the fingers l9 and moved to the second position which is the positioning station. A container at the positioning station will be, picked up by the fingers 2t and carried to the printing station. The container at the print ing station will then be caused to roll over the type in the printing mechanism, but this movement is slightly faster than the movement of the fingers so-that after the printing has taken place, the fingers 2! will thereupon pick up the container in the final position and carry it to the outgoing conveyor.

The positioning mechanism When a container reaches the positioning station it is caused to rotate until the location on the container where the printing is to take place reaches a predetermined position relative to the printing station. In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated herein, this position is determined by a deformation in the container which may be either an indentation or a projection. This deformation is contacted by a switch which energizes an electrical circuit and actuates a pneumatic system and applies brakes to immediately stop rotation of the container.

The means for rotating the container include a supporting bracket 33 mounted on the shelf 3. This bracket has a base member 34, a vertical portion 35, and an upper horizontal bearing portion 36. A cup shaped supporting member 31 is mounted at the top of the horizontal bearing 36 and has a recess therein to receive a disc 38. This disc preferably has the upper surface thereof knurled or otherwise roughened to carry the container with it in its rotary movement when it is elevated to bear against the bottom of the container. The disc 38 is secured to the supporting member 31 which, in turn, is fastened to the vertical shaft 39 (Figs. 4 and 6). A sprocket wheel 40 is mounted on the vertical shaft 39 and has a sprocket chain 4| engaged therewith. A thrust bearing 42 is spaced upwardly on the shaft 39 from the sprocket wheel 40 and bears upwardly against a bearing 42a. The bearing 42a has a press fit within an opening in the upper horizontal bearing 36. A coiled compression spring 43 surrounds the shaft 39 and bears upwardly at its upper end against the thrust bearing 42 and downwardly at its lower end against the sprocket wheel 48. This spring 43 normally urges the vertical shaft 39 in a downward direction.

A bearing 44 is mounted on the lower leg 34 of the supporting bracket 33 and receives the lower end of the shaft 39. The bottom of shaft 39 abuts against the upper end of a piston rod 45 which is caused to reciprocate vertically by means of air applied to one side of a piston within the cylinder 46. In the operation of this mechanism an electrical switch is momentarily closed to actuate an air valve (not shown) and elevate the piston rod 45. The elevation of piston rod 45 also elevates the shaft 39 and the members 31 and 38 so that the roughened surface of the member 38 will contact the lower end of a container at the positioning station, thereupon elevating the container from the shelf and causing rotation of the container when shaft 39 is rotated.

The sprocket chain 4| also engages a sprocket wheel 41 (Fig. 33) mounted for rotation about a shaft 48 supported between the spaced horizontal arms 49 and 58 of a bracket member This bracket member 5| is bolted to the shelf 3 through its base 52. A plate 53 extends between and below the bearing blocks [6 at the left hand end of the carriage and has a finger 54 depending downwardly therefrom in engagement with the sprocket chain 4|. It will therefore be clear that any reciprocation of the carriage which advances the containers intermittently will also move the sprocket chain 4| in a reciprocating movement to rotate the shaft 39 by reason of its connection with the sprocket wheel 40.

It will be evident that a container is caused to rotate only when the shaft 39 is in its elevated position. This is controlled by the electrical and pneumatic systems so that the shaft 39 is elevated only on the return movement of the carriage toward the left, at which time the fingers I9, 28 and 2| are below the surface of the shelf 5 and thereby perform no function.

When the shaft 39 is elevated, it moves a sufficient distance to clamp the container between the member 38 at the bottom thereof and a disc 55 at the top thereof which has a pad 56 at its underside. This pad may be formed preferably of rubber or other resilient material so that rotation of the member 38 will cause a rotation of the container by reason of the clamping action with the rotatable disc 55.

The disc 55 has a hub portion at the upper side thereof adapted to receive a bearing member 51 within which one end of a screw threaded shaft 58 is located. The shaft 58 threadedly engages a boss 59 on a horizontally extending bar 68 (Figs. 1, 2 and 4). This bar 68 extends longitudinally of the machine above the containers as they move through the machine and has a cross member 6| welded or otherwise secured thereto which extends transversely of the machine. The cross member 6| is bolted or otherwise secured to the upper side of bars 62 supported on the upper ends of the supporting columns 63. There are four of these columns 63 extending upwardly from the main shelf 5 and form the supports for the bars 68 and 5| in which the disc 55 is mounted at the lower end of the adjustable shaft 58.

Another bar 64 is suspended below the bar 68 and extends from one side of the positioning station to the printing station. A similar and shorter bar 65 is also suspended below the bar 68 but at the opposite side of the positioning station. The bar 54 is adjustably suspended by means of the vertical rods 66 and 61 slidably mounted in blocks 68 and 69. The short bar 65 is likewise adjustably mounted on a rod 10 passing through a similar block 1|. Screws 12 threadedly engage the blocks 68, 69 and 1| and are adapted to hold the respective rods in any position to which adjusted.

The upper disc 55 may be adjusted by rotating the shaft 58 by means of the adjusting member 13 secured thereto. These adjustments are utilized primarily for different size containers passing through the machine. For example, the machine as illustrated may be set for gallon containers, but when quart containers are to be printed, the disc 55 and the bars 64 and 65 will have to be lowered to accommodate the height of the smaller container. The bars 64 and 65 act primarily as an upper guide for the upper ends of the containers as they pass through the machine.

The main shelf 5 is provided with a rectangular elongated opening 14 through which the fingers 9, 20 and 2| are adapted to pass in order to proect above the surface of the shelf and convey the containers in their intermittent movement from station to station.

When the container is caused to rotate and the location on the container where the printing is to take place is properly positioned with respect to the printing station, two operations take place immediately to stop further rotation of the container. One operation is the application of brakes at opposite sides of the container. The other operation is the lowering of the vertical shaft 39 to move the rotating member 38 out of contact with the bottom of the container.

In describing these operations and the actuation of the various parts, reference will now be made more particularly to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 10. A supporting member 15 projects outwardly from one side of the vertical leg 9 of the angle member 6 and supports a plate 16 for pivotal movement by means of a pivot pin 11. A microswitch 1| 1;

,9 mounted on the upper side of the plate I6 and has a switch arm I9 projecting therefrom. The outer end of the switch arm 19 is provided with a roller 80 adapted to contact the surface of the container and to be caused to move the switch arm 19 either inwardly or outwardly when contacted by the deformation. This movement of the arm closes the electrical circuit to the brakes and simultaneously causes a lowering of the vertical shaft 39. A small disc 8! is pivotally mounted as at 82 to the underside of the plate I8. This disc BI is substantially triangular in shape and is provided with rollers 83 and 84 at the two innermost corners thereof as clearly shown in Fig. 10. Two other rollers 85 and 86 are also mounted onthe plate 18 in alignment at an angle with respect to the rollers 83 and 84. A coiled tension spring 81 is secured at one end to a pin 88 extending below the plate 16 and at its other end to an adjustable finger 89. The finger B9 threadedly engages a bracket 9!! (Fig. 1) secured to one of the supporting columns 53 and may be adjusted by means of the thumb screws 9| to regulate the tension of the spring 81.

The plate 15 has a downwardly extending arm 92 at one side thereof and terminates in a threaded opening to receive the adjustable stop screw 93. The spring 8-1 tends normally to urge the plate H6 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 10, about its pivot point '5'! and will urge the plate in this direction until the screw 93 comes against the vertical leg 9 of the angle member 6. This will be the position of the plate 18 together with the parts mounted thereon when there is no container at the positioning station. As a-container i is moved toward the positioning station by the fingers I9, the surface of the container will first come against the rollers 85 and 88 to urge the plate I and its connected parts about the pivotal point il in a counterclockwise direction. As the container continues its movement to the positioning station, it will then come against the roller 83 and when it is properly positioned immediately above the rotating member 38 both of the rollers 83 and 84 will bear against the surface of the container. This is important because the containers are not always perfectly round and it is imperative that the switch arm 19 be not actuated by any deformity in the container other than the one particularly designed for the purpose of actuating the switch arm. slightly out of round, the rollers 33 and 84 will prevent the switch arm is from actuating the switch until the proper time.

The form of the invention illustrated herein utilizes a deiormation in the surface of the container'such as the depression 94 for actuating the switch arm iii. The deformation may be either a depression as shown at 3 3 or a projection as shown at 94a in Fig. 18. When the depression is used, the roller 89 will fall into the depression to move the switch arm "I 9 outwardly to close the switch 18. If a projection such as 9 w is used, then the roller 88 will cause the switch arm iii to be moved in the opposite direction to close. the microswitch it. In either event an electrical circuit is energized to cause the application of the brakes, and the lowering of the rotating device.

The braking mechanism is more clearly shown in Fig. 3 and consists of the solenoids 9'5 and $5 mounted on opposite sides of the passageway throu h which the containers are. moved, and are preferably mounted on the angle guide members 6 and l. of the solenoids 95 and 98; is provided with; an arm or plunger .915, the outer end of which. is pivotally connected to an arm 98. by

If the container is means of the pivot pin 99. Theouter end of each arm 98 is suitably connected to one arm of a bell crank lever I88 pivotally mounted at IUI. The other arm of the bell crank lever IE8 is pivotally mounted at I82 to a bracket I03 connected to a brake shoe we. The other end of each bell crank lever I88 has a coiled tension spring 85 connected thereto by means of the pin 26. The other end or" each spring N35 is fastened to a plate I81 secured to one of the supporting columns 63. The spring I tends normally to urge the brake shoe associated therewith in a direction away from the container in the positioning station. The spring also urges the associated bell crank lever 08 against a suitably positioned stop member I88. w

' When the deformation 94 or 94a in 'the'container reaches the position of the switch arm 19 as the container is being rotated, the switch arm I9 will close the switch it immediately energizing an electrical-circuit to actuate the solenoidsQE and 98 to apply; the brakes 518d at diametrically opposed'locations on the container. At the same time an electrical circuit will be energized to actu ate the air valve inthe pneumatic cylinder-Mite reverse the direction of air pressure against the piston therein and lower the rotating member38 out of contact with the bottom of the container. These two operations will insure that the container will stop rotating when the deformation in the container reaches the switch arm 19. It is understood, of course, that the deformation in the container is placed in a predetermined location with respect to the place onthe container where the printing is to take place, so that when the container is moved to the printing station this predetermined location on the container will-be positioned properly when the container is rolled over the type on the printing mechanism.

Additional means are provided for preventing any overrunning of the container as it is moved into the positioning station. The containers when filled are quite heavy and may not stop at the positioning station in an exact concentric location with respect to the rotating member 38. For this reason additional stop means are provided as shown more clearly in Figs. '7 and 8 for the purpose of preventing the container from moving past its proper position. This mechanism includes a horizontally disposed lever arm I09 suitably mounted on the cross member 53 below the bearing blocks I6 at one end of the reciprocating carriage. The stop member includes a finger or dog H0 adapted to extend above, the shelf 5 and be moved in the path of the incoming container. The. member H8 has a log HI extending downwardly therefrom and is pivoted at I I2 to a support I I3 mounted on the upper horizontal portion 35 of the supporting bracket 33. The pivot point H2 is so located'on the stop member that the weight of the leg I I i will normally pivot the member out of the path of a container. When the leg II I is in this downward position as shownin Fig. 8, and the reciprocating carriage moves forwardly to position the next successive container in the positioning station, the container which has just been positioned will be moved to the printing station. The stop member H8 is allowed to remain in its lowered position until after the first container has cleared this member. At this moment the end of lever arm I39 will come against the leg I H to elevate the dog above the shelf 5 and into the path of the incoming container. Thisv dog is so positioned that it will properly locate thev container concentrically with respect to. the rotatin mechanism. The support H3 is providedwith an upper limit pin I I4 to limit the upward movement of the member I I and with a lower limit pin I I5 to limit the movement of the stop member in the opposite direction.

The printing mechanism The printing mechanism holding the type against which the containers are rolled for printing the color designation or other indicia thereon is preferably in the form of a miniature printing press, the details of which will be more clearly understood by reference to Figs. 2, 3, and 11.

The mechanism comprises a base member II6 mounted on a plate II6a secured to the main shelf 5. The mechanism is provided with a type bed I I1 and a small inking disc II 8. The type bed II! is adapted to hold type II9 therein and to be moved into position to contact the outer surface of the container as it is rolled past. Rollers I20 journaled at each end in a bearing member I 2| mounted on the side arms I22 are adapted to roll over the inking disc to gather ink during the printing operation and. to deliver this ink to the type after each impression. The side arms I22 extend downwardly and rearwardly and are secured to a horizontally disposed rotatable shaft I23 mounted in bearings I24 on the base of the mechanism. The mechanism is mounted for sliding movement between the sides of the base H8.

The printing mechanism is caused to retract or move rearwardly away from the container passageway at the end of each printing operation, and during this retraction the rollers I20 are caused to move downwardly over the type H9 for re-inking. This movement of the rollers is imparted thereto by means of an arm I25 secured at its lower end to the shaft I23. The upper end of arm I25 has a roller I28 extending outwardly at one side thereof between flanges I21 on a supporting bracket I28. This bracket I28 has a flange I29 at its lower end whereby it may be rigidly secured to the plate I I611. It will be noted in Fig. 11 that the full line position of the printing mechanism illustrates the mechanism when it is retracted. As the mechanism is caused to move forward toward the next container to be printed, the stationary bracket I28 will cause rotation of arm I 25 in a counter-clockwise direction. The shaft I23 to which arm I25 is connected will also rotate. Rotation of shaft I23 in this direction will carry the side arms I22 upwardly and cause the rollers to assume a position on the inking disc II8.

A bracket, having a horizontal portion I30 and a vertical bifurcated portion I3I is mounted on the base of the press and is movable therewith in its reciprocating movement. The space between the bifurcations I3I is adapted t receive an annular groove in an internally threaded adjusting member I 32. This adjusting member threadedly engages the outermost threaded end of a piston rod I33 connected to a piston (not shown) movable within the air cylinder I34.

As soon as the printing on a container has been accomplished, a microswitch energizes an electrical circuit which actuates an air valve (not shown) at one end of the air cylinder I34 to retract the piston rod I33 and the printing mechanism connected thereto, whereupon the type is re-inked as above explained. When the printing mechanism is retracted to its full extent it closes another microswitch to energize an electrical circuit which actuates the air valve reversing the pressure within the cylinder I34, thereby causing the printing mechanism to again assume its printing position for the next container.

The microswitch which causes the return of the mechanism to printing position is indicated by the numeral I35 and is provided with a switch arm I36 extending outwardly into the path of a finger I31 on the adjusting member I32. When the mechanism reaches its full retracted position the finger I31 will contact the arm I36 to close switch I35 and energize the electrical circuit which actuates the air valve and returns the mechanism to printing position.

The adjusting member I32 is utilized for the purpose of regulating the pressure of the type on the container. This may be done by rotating the member I32 to adjust the mechanism with respect to the piston rod I33. The finger I 31 is adapted to be located in a plurality of different positions at the rear of the adjusting member so that it may be always in line with the switch arm I36. The details of this construction are not shown herein inasmuch as it is a conventional design.

It will thus be clear that the normal position of the printing mechanism is the forward position shown in Fig. 10. After each impression, the mechanism is caused to retract and re-ink the type and again move into printing position before the next succeeding container is brought into printing position. The retraction of the printing mechanism is caused by the energization of an electrical circuit hereinafter to be described but which circuit is energized by the closing of a switch caused by movement of the feeding arm which rolls the container over the type.

Container rolling mechanism The manner in which each container is fed into the machine to its first position, then conveyed to the positioning station, and thereafter to the printing station, has been explained above as being an intermittent movement of the container through the machine. After the container is properly positioned at the positioning station, it is then conveyed by the fingers on the reciprocating carriage toward the printing station where it is caused to roll over the type in the printing mechanism. The container rolling mechanism which causes the container to roll over the type is more clearly illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 10, 11 and 12.

An angle plate having a vertical leg I38 is provided with a yieldable friction member I39, such as rubber, on its inner face. An opening I40 is provided in the vertical leg 9 of the angle 6 to permit the friction face or pad I39 to contact and roll a container over the type in the printing mechanism. The bottom horizontal leg I of the angle member is caused to ride along the surface of the horizontal portion 8 of the angle member 6 in its reciprocating movement for rolling a container over the type and then returning to pick up the next container.

One end of the horizontal portion I has an upstanding bifurcated part I42 adapted to receive the annular groove I43 of an adjusting nut I44. This adjusting nut threadedly engages one end of a piston rod I45 which has at its other end a piston I46 mounted for reciprocation within an air cylinder H1. The air cylinder I 41 is supported at one end by means of a bracket I43. This bracket also supports one end of a guide rod I 49 which guides the container roller device in its reciprocating movement. The other end of the guide rod I49 is mounted in a bearing I 50. A sleeve I5I is mounted for sliding movement along the guide rod I49 and is provided along one side thereof with upper and lower spaced radially extending flanges I52. A pair of links I53 and I54 have one end thereof received between the flanges I52 and are mounted for pivotal movement by means of the pivot pins I55 and I55. The other end of link I53 is received within the spaced sides of a lug I51 and is mounted for pivotal movement therein by means of the pin I58. The opposite end of link I54 is likewise received between the spaced sides of a lug I59 and is mounted for pivotal movement therein by means of the pivot pin I50. These lugs I51 and I59 are secured to the vertical leg I39 of the main angle member, whereupon reciprocating movement of the angle by means of the piston rod I45 will cause the friction face of the pad I39 to move either toward or away from a container. The horizontal portion I41 of the angle member is provided with a pair of stop members ISI and I52 to limit the inward and outward movement of the angle member carrying the frictic-n face I39.

The normal position of this container rolling device is at the extreme left hand end of the guide rod I49 as viewed in Fig. 3. As the piston rod I45 moves inwardly, or toward the right, the first movement will be to move the angle member carryin the friction face I39 until the link I53 abuts against the stop member I52. At this point the friction face I39 will bear against the adjacent container with sufficient pressure to cause it to roll over the type in the printing mechanism. 'I-herolling of the container will be in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 10 although bodily movement of the container will be toward the right or exit end of the machine. When the piston rod I45 reaches the end of its inward stroke the printing will have been completed and the piston rod will be caused to move on its return stroke toward the left. The initial movement in this direction will cause the friction face I39 and the angle member on which it is mounted to move toward the left until the link I53 abuts against the stop member IBI. During this slight movement the sleeve I I will not be moved and therefore the friction face I39 will be moved outwardly away from the container passageway. This will insure that the friction face will not contact any container until it is again caused to move in the opposite direction. When the piston rod I45 reaches its full outward stroke and begins its return stroke the friction face will again be moved inwardly to contact the container and roll it past the type in the printing mechanism.

The sleeve I51 is provided with an angle member I 93 at one end thereof having an opening therein adapted to receive a limit screw I64. This limit screw I64 is adapted to contact a switch arm I55 of a microswitch I56 which energizes an electrical circuit to actuate an air valve (not shown) in the cylinder I41, thereupon reversing the direction of movement of the piston rod I45.

The air valve in cylinder I41 is actuated to cause inward movement of the piston rod I45 by a container contacting the switch arm I51 of a microswitch I63 as it is moved through the container passage toward the printing station. Closing of switch I58 will energize an electrical circuit to actuate the air valve in cylinder I41 and cause inward movement of the piston rod I45. It will be clear when the electrical diagrams are considered that the retraction of the printing mechanism is caused by the closure of switch I56 so that the printing mechanism is operated to re- 14 ink the type in timed relation with movement of the containers through the machine.

The intake conveyor The container are fed into the machine one at a time, and in order to prevent jamming of the containers at the inlet end of the machine, suitable mechanism has been provided on the intake conveyor to prevent such jamming by permitting the containers to enter the machine singly. Reference will now be made particularly to Figs. 13 and 14 wherein the intake conveyor is generally indicated by the numeral I69. This conveyor slopes downwardly toward the inlet end of the machine and is provided with. a pair of spaced guide bars I19 and HI. The containers enter the conveyor in an upright position and rest on rollers I12 which are 'rotatably mounted at each end thereof in the spaced channel members I13 and I14. At one side of the machine the channel member I13 supports a plate I15 on which is rockably mounted an E-shaped member I15. This member I15 is mounted fora limited rocking movement about the pivot member I11.

One leg I18 of the E-shaped member has a roller I19 mounted on the outer end thereof which normally extends into the path of an incoming container. The roller I19 is mounted between the spaced sides of a support I which has a rod I8 I thereon mounted for sliding movement within a bearing member I82. A coiled compression spring I83 surrounds the rod I8 I and normally urges the support I89 and roller I19 in an outward direction, but will permit a limited movement inwardly thereof when forced in that direction by a container on the conveyor. A bumper post I94 is mounted onthe plate I15 for the purpose of limiting the rocking movement of the E- shaped member in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 14.

The other leg I85 of the E-shaped member I15 is provided with a roller I86 at its outer end. Another bumper post I31 is mounted on the plate I15 against which one end of the E-shaped memr ber I16 may abut in order to limit the rocking movement of this member in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 14.

A coiled tension spring I88 is secured at one end to a post I89 on the plate I15 and at its other end to a pin I90 adjacent the outer end of the center leg of the E-shaped member. It will be noted that the pin I90 and post I99 are in direct alignment with the center of the pivot member I11 so that the spring I88 will hold the E-shaped member against either bumper post when caused to rock in one direction or the other.

Normally the E-shaped member I16 is against one or the other of the bumper posts I84 or I31. When a container enters the conveyor at the inlet end, the member I16 will be against the bumper post I81, whereupon the roller I19 will be moved into the path of such container. Suitable mechanism is provided'to rock the E-shaped member I16 about its pivot point at the proper time to move it against the bumper post I84. This movement will thereupon permit the container to move downwardly along the conveyor until it strikes against the roller I86. When the operating mechanism is actuated to rock the E- shaped member I19 in a counter-clockwise direction against the bumper post I81, the container will then be free to continue along the conveyor and to enter the machine at the first position. This device acts to prevent jamming of the containers at the inlet end of the machine and to permit the containers to enter the machine one at a. time.

The actuating mechanism which causes the E-shaped member I16 to rock includes an arm or crank member I 9| extending outwardly at one side of the pivot member I11. The outer end of this arm I9I receives a rod I92 which is connected at its opposite end to a member I93 by means of a universal joint connection I94. The member I93 has an adjustable connection I95 to another connecting member I86 at the opposite end thereof which, in turn, is connected to a member I91 by means of a universal joint I93. The member I91 is secured to one end of an elongated rod I99 mounted for longitudinal sliding movement in the supports 200 extending upwardy from the shelf 3.

The opposite end of rod I99 is provided with spaced collars I and 202, both of which are secured directly to the rod.

Referring again for the moment to Fig. 9, it has been previously explained that the plate 28 is secured to the reciprocating carriage which carries the fingers for moving the containers in an intermittent movement through the machine. This plate 28 extends outwardly from one side of the carriage and is provided with a slot 293 extending upwardly from the lower edge thereof to accommodate the rod I99. The plate 28 is located between the two collars 20I and 292 which are spaced apart the proper distance to be contacted by the plate 28 and move the rod i99 for a short distance at each end of the movement of the reciprocating carriage.

Thus, just before the carriage reaches its extreme forward position of conveying the containers toward the outlet end of the machine, the plate 28 will contact the collar 202. Further movement of the carriage to the end of its reciprocating movement will carry with it the collar 202 and rod I99. The direction of movement of the rod I99 will be toward the right as viewed in Fig. 13 and will thereupon cause the pivot means I11 to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 14. This will move the E-shaped member I16 against the bumper post I84 to interpose the roller I86 into the path of the next succeeding container. The spring I88 will hold the member I16 in this position.

During the return movement of the carriage to its initial position, the plate 28 will ride freely along the rod I99 until just before it reaches its final position as illustrated in Fig. 8, whereupon the plate 29 will contact the collar 20I. Further movement of the carriage toward its initial position will thereupon cause the rod I99 and its connected parts to move toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 13, to thereupon impart a counter-clockwise rotation of the E-shaped member i16 until it comes against the bumper post I81. This movement of member I16 will remove the roller I86 from the path of the container, thus permitting the container to move downwardly along the conveyor to the first position in the machine. At this point the roller I 19 will have been moved into the path of the next container to prevent that container from entering the machine until after the previous container has been moved out of the first position.

As may be seen in Figs. '1, 8 and 9, an elongated rod 204 may be welded or otherwise suitably secured to the bottom edge of plate 28. This rod 204 is adapted to contact the roller 205 of a switch arm 206 on the microswitch 201. The location 16 of this switch 201 with respect to the other parts of the machine may be more clearly understood by reference to Fig. l where it is the center switch of the three mounted on shelf 3.

Switch 201 is caused to open on the forward stroke of the reciprocating carriage as it feeds the containers through the machine. The rod 204 is mounted on plate 28 which is secured to the links I8 by means of the angle member 21. It has been explained above how the links I 8 have a downward movement while the reciprocating carriage moves back to its original position toward the intake end of the machine. It was also explained that the links I8 move upwardly when the containers are being conveyed through the machine. This up and down movement of links I8 will therefore be imparted to the rod 204 so that it will be elevated and out of contact with the roller 205 on the switch arm 206 when the carriage is feeding containers through the machine. On the return stroke of the carriage to initial feeding position the rod 204 will be lowered to close the contacts of switch 201. The operation of switch 201 in the complete circuit will be more clearly understood during the description of the electrical circuit. For the present, however, it is sufficient to note that the switch 201 will be open during movement of the carriage toward the outlet end of the machine and thus will prevent the energization of the electrical circuit which applies the brakes and which elevates the rotating mechanism to rotate the container at the positioning station. This switch acts as an additional safety feature to prevent operation of the brakes and rotary means at any time except on the return stroke of the carriage to initial position.

Referring for the moment to Fig. 1, it will be seen that the system is provided with two limit switches 208 and 209 which govern the recipro cating movements of the carriage. Microswitch 208 has a switch arm 2| 0 with a roller 2 at the outer end thereof. Microswitch 209 has a switch arm 2 I2 provided with a roller 2I3 at its outer end. Both of these switches normally close and normally open contacts and will be closed or opened depending upon the position of the switch arm. The arm of each switch will remain in either of its two positions for opening or closing the contacts. A finger H4 is mounted on the underside of one of the bearing blocks I8 and is adapted to contact the roller 2 of the switch arm 2I0 on the switch 208 on a return movement of the reciprocating carriage to its initial position. Closing of switch 208 will actuate the air valve in air cylinder 32 to draw the reciprocating carriage toward the outlet end of the machine and advance the containers to their next position.

When the carriage reaches its extreme position toward the outlet end of the machine, finger 2I4 will operate switch arm 2I2 to close switch 209 thereby actuating an air valve in air cylinder 32 for moving the reciprocating carriage back toward the inlet end of the machine.

It will be clear that without some means for de-energizing the circuit, the carriage would reciprocate constantly whether or not there were any containers in the machine. To overcome this difficulty the machine is provided with a time delay relay which is actuated by a microswitch 2| 5 mounted on a plate ZIB on the channel I14 of the conveyor I89 (Fig. 14). This microswitch 2i 5 has an arm 2| 5a with a roller 2I1 on the outer end thereof adapted to be contacted by an incoming container... Aswill be seen when the wiring diagrams, are considered, the time delay relay will be operated. upon. the closing of switch 215 by movement of the switch arm 2l5a inwardly. The timing may be such that-when the last: container is released by movement of roller I86 out of the path thereof, this container will enter the machine and will be positioned and printed and finally delivered, at the outlet end of the machine before the electrical circuit will be tie-energized by the time delay relay..

While switch 2l5' and the time delay relay to which it is connected is not necessary to the successful operation of the machine, it is, nevertheless, a desirable feature to cause the automatic stopping of the machine after the last container has been printed.

The electrical circuits For purposes of illustration. and for ease in understanding. the sequence of operation of' the various mechanical. parts described above, the

electrical circuit for themachine has been divided into two wiring. diagrams, Figs- 22 and 23. On the actual machine these are two separate circuits. Fig. 22 illustrates the electrical circuit. for the microswitch 215 which operates the time delay relay as shown in Fig, 14; the switches 208 and 209 which reverse the direction of. movement of the conveyor carriage; the switch 201 which permits switch 18 to energize the cirwit to. the brakes and the rotating member for rotating the container. Fig. 23 is the wiring diagram which includes only the reversing switch l 66 operating the roller arm 38 on the piston rod I45; the main actuating switch I68; and the reversing switch 135 on the printing mechanism.

Referring now to Fig. 22, the operation will be explained beginning with the position of the parts when the piston rod 32' is retracted into air cylinder 32 at the end of the delivery stroke of the conveyor carriage. As previously stated, switch ZOB-has a normally closed contact. In this position the blade of switch 293 will be in the normally closed position as shown in Fig. 22 in full lines. The finger 2| on the carriage wil1 be against the arm 2|2 of switch 269 to move the blade against the normally open contact as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 22. It will also be assumed that a container is in the conveyor closing'switch 2 i 5 to operate the time delay relay.

The main power line has a transformer therein so that the circuitoperates on about 8 volts. With the positionof the various parts as just described, current will then pass from one side Of'llh line through the branches'2 18, 2| 9 and 220 to the lines 22! and 222. The. current then flows through the now closed but normally open contact of switch 209 through the time delay relay 223 and line 224 to the air valve in cylinder 32 which is designated as the out position in the diagram. The current then passes back to the other side of the line through branch 225. Current also passes from the time delay relay 223 through line 224a to the up" air valve in cylinder 46 to elevate the. shaft 39 and clamp the container for its rotary movement. This will immediately force the piston rod 351 and the conveyor carriage connected thereto outwardlyand rearwardly to move the conveyor back to its original starting position. At this time the fingers i9, 20 and 2| will be in lowered position.

With the'fingers and their connecting links i8 lowered, the rod 204' will come against the arm 206-01? mi'croswitch 201 to close the switch and energize the switch l8 at the positioning station. At thi point, then, current will flow through branches 218; 2|9,- and 220 through the normally closed contact of switch 208 and thence through the branch 226 tothe closed contacts of switch 207. This switchis connected directly to switch 18. at the positioning station through line 221- so that when switch l8is closed by movement of the switch arm 19. due to. the deformation in the container, the remainder of the circuit will be energized as will be presently pointed out.

Simultaneously, current will flow through switch. 20-1 and through the branches 228 and 229 tothe. No. 4 contact of the relay generally indicated. at; 22911., This relay has four sets of contacts, three-of which are normally open and one of Which-isnormallly closed. When the deformation in the container actuates switch arm 19 to close. switch 18, the circuit will then be completed through the lines 230 and 231 to the relay solenoid c.0il 232. .The. circuit is then completed through branch.225. to. the. other side of the line; there- .upon energizing'the solenoid 232 which-is mechanically, connected totheswitch arms of the relay to closethe contacts Nos. 2-, 3 and 4 and to open the contactNo. 1.

Switch 18 is closed only momentarily; but its closing energizes. the relay solenoid 232 whereupon the. circuit. through the now. closedcontact No.- 4 of the relay will act asa. holding circuit to hold the. relay in. actuated position.

Actuation, of switch 78- indicates that the container is now properly positioned and should be stopped. in. this position without further'rotation.

. At this moment current passing. through the holding circuit. including branch 229 and the No. 4 contact of thev relaywill also be carried through branch 2.33. to. the now closed No. 2 contact of the relay and. through. the branches 234- and 235 to the down air valve of cylinder 46. This immediately lowers the rotating member 38 and vertical shaft 39 out of contact with the container to stop further rotation thereof. The circuit. is completed through line 236 back tobranch2-25 to the other side. of the transformer.

At this moment thebrakes are also'applied and the brake circuit is. connected directly across the main power supply. The brake solenoids and 9.6., only one of which is-illustrated in the wiring diagram, are. energized upon the closing of the No. 3. contact in the relay 229a. Current then passes from one side of the main power" line through branches 23! and 238 to the now closed No. 3. contact in the relay and then through the branches 239 and.- 240 to thebrake solenoid. The solenoids. are. then energized by current passing back to the other. sideof the linethrough branch 24]. At this point in the operation the container has stopped rotating and has been positioned properly with respect to the printing station, so that when it is conveyed to the printing station and is rolled over the type in the printing mechanism, the Printing will be located at the proper predetermined location on the container.

The piston rod 36 continues to move outwardly and: to move theconveyor carriage back to its original starting position with the fingers down. When the carriage reaches the end of its stroke back'to its original position, the finger 2 M on the end. of the carriage will come against the switch arm; 2 I U. of switch 208 and will close the normally open contacts as. indicated. in dotted lines in Fig. 22. This closing of the normally open contact is momentary and. will thereupon feed current throughline. 242: tothe in side ofthe: air cylinder 

